Mr. Liam O'Connor:

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus le comhaltaí an choiste as an deis labhairt leo inniu. I thank members for the opportunity to address the committee on behalf of the Irish Traditional Music Archive, ITMA, on the Bill. We fully appreciate the aim of the amended Bill to enhance public access to RTÉ’s archival collections, especially for research and academic purposes. As director of ITMA, which houses the largest collection of Irish traditional music, song and dance in the world, I appreciate the importance of making cultural heritage accessible. Like RTÉ, we are committed to expanding digital access to our collections. Our ongoing collaboration with RTÉ Archives has provided us valuable insights into its ambitious digitisation efforts and the extensive work required to make archives accessible to the public. ITMA faces many of the same challenges as RTÉ Archives, including rights management, cataloguing, public expectations and data security. Despite these complexities, today’s technology enables us unprecedented levels of accessibility. RTÉ’s archives are a national treasure, offering unique insights into Irish life that can benefit people of all ages. However, broader access will only be possible with adequate resourcing. The scale of work involved, from digital preservation to cybersecurity, demands significant investment. Furthermore, striking a balance between free public access and commercial use, especially for Irish films and documentaries, is crucial as RTÉ’s archives grow in value. Sustained funding will allow RTÉ Archives to work more effectively with industries such as film, supporting both cultural preservation and the State’s strategic interests. This Bill represents an important opportunity to secure long-term investment in archival projects with the potential for a global impact.

To conclude, as I wrote in ITMA’s annual report: "Life is short, art is long, and archiving is slow." While philosophical alignment is essential, operational success will require sustained commitment over the next 20 to 30 years to build an unrivalled digital archive for future generations. I will address strategic and operational matters, while my colleague, Dr. Adam Girard, is available to discuss IT and archival issues.